bǐ彼zhòng众wǒ我guǎ寡
To be heavily outnumbered; the enemy is numerous while one's own forces are few.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
The State of Chu, allied with Cao and Wei, launched an attack on the State of Song. Song, in distress, appealed to Duke Wen of Jin for assistance.
Xian Zhen, a strategist, recognized this as a prime opportunity for Jin to establish its hegemony. Duke Wen of Jin consulted his uncle, Hu Yan, on how to approach a battle where his forces would be heavily outnumbered. Hu Yan advised him to employ cunning and deception to achieve victory.
However, another official, Yong Ji, disagreed with this strategy. Despite the differing opinions, Duke Wen of Jin appointed Hu Yan as the commander of the upper army and ordered an attack on Cao and Wei.
The King of Chu, caught off guard and falling for the ruse, suffered a devastating defeat.